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Focusing on the Unique Mental Health Issues Affecting People of Color
Mental health matters. For people of color living in the United States, differences in education, housing, employment opportunities, family wealth, and even justice can all play a role in poor mental health. What’s more, people of color often face racially motivated violence, and the COVID-19 pandemic has affected their communities on an unequal level.
Despite those added challenges, people of color cope with mental health disorders at a similar rate to whites. Nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness. However, nearly half of whites with a mental illness received services while only 30% of Blacks and 27% of Hispanics did. That’s why it’s essential to bring attention to mental health in these communities.
During the month of July, national recognition is given to the mental health of non-white communities in order to shine a light on these differences while encouraging local organizations and health care providers to educate people about mental health care, and to look past the stigma that often accompanies it.
Mental Health Struggles are Universal
For both people of color and white people, problems with mental health are surprisingly common. In 2020, 1 in 5 U.S. adults experienced some form of mental illness – that’s more than 50 million people. However, for both youth and adults, people of color are more likely to struggle with serious mental health problems, leading to some pretty striking statistics.
Children and Teens
- In 2019, suicide was the second leading cause of death for African Americans aged 15 to 24. It was the leading cause of death for Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders 15 to 24.
- From 1991 to 2019, self-reported suicide attempts rose nearly 80% among Black teens while there were no significant changes among other races and ethnicities.
- In 2018, the suicide rate of Black children 5 to 12 was almost twice that of white children the same age.
- Black and Hispanic children were 14% less likely than white youth to receive treatment for depression.
- Over one-fourth of Black youth exposed to violence have proven to be at high risk for PTSD.
Adults
- Nearly one in four individuals identifying as being two or more races are most likely to report having a mental health disorder in the past year, followed by American Indian/Alaska Natives at 22.7%
- Black adults are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems than other ethnicities.
- Although depression rates are lower in Blacks and Hispanics than in whites, the depression is likely to be more debilitating and persistent.
- In 2018 Asian Americans were 60% less likely and Hispanics 50% less likely to have received mental health treatment than non-Hispanic whites.
And while recognizing the need for help is the first step, finding affordable care options can be difficult. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “service cost or lack of insurance coverage was the most frequently cited reason for not using mental health services across all racial/ethnic groups.”
A fact sheet published by Resources to Recovery showed the stark differences in treatment among ethnicities and the results of those disparities for children, teens, and adults.
Speaking Up
Sharing your problems with a stranger can be scary and is sometimes frowned upon in certain communities. There is often a stigma about “putting your business in the street,” despite the strict privacy rules between patients and medical professionals.
More than 80% of Black Americans are very concerned about the stigma associated with mental illness, which discourages them from seeking treatment. For some ethnicities, strict cultural traditions or misunderstandings may play a role in the lack of treatment of mental illness. Language differences between patients and providers are also a contributing factor. While these obstacles are frustrating, they should never stop you from caring for your health.
It takes all of us to help normalize mental health treatment. If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, thoughts of suicide, or any other form of mental distress, it is critical to seek professional help. Parents can create a safe space for children to share and ask questions about what they’re feeling. Regardless of race or ethnicity, discussing and addressing mental health will empower to us live healthier, happier lives.
You Don’t Have to Suffer
AltaMed is committed to your mental, as well as physical well-being. Our experienced staff of diverse mental health professionals can provide culturally relevant care in your language. They can help you with everything from stress relief to referrals for more serious health or substance abuse issues. Call 855-425-1777 to learn more about our Behavioral Health Services.
Mental health matters. For people of color living in the United States, differences in education, housing, employment opportunities, family wealth, and even justice can all play a role in poor mental health. What’s more, people of color often face racially motivated violence, and the COVID-19 pandemic has affected their communities on an unequal level.
Despite those added challenges, people of color cope with mental health disorders at a similar rate to whites. Nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness. However, nearly half of whites with a mental illness received services while only 30% of Blacks and 27% of Hispanics did. That’s why it’s essential to bring attention to mental health in these communities.
During the month of July, national recognition is given to the mental health of non-white communities in order to shine a light on these differences while encouraging local organizations and health care providers to educate people about mental health care, and to look past the stigma that often accompanies it.
Mental Health Struggles are Universal
For both people of color and white people, problems with mental health are surprisingly common. In 2020, 1 in 5 U.S. adults experienced some form of mental illness – that’s more than 50 million people. However, for both youth and adults, people of color are more likely to struggle with serious mental health problems, leading to some pretty striking statistics.
Children and Teens
- In 2019, suicide was the second leading cause of death for African Americans aged 15 to 24. It was the leading cause of death for Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders 15 to 24.
- From 1991 to 2019, self-reported suicide attempts rose nearly 80% among Black teens while there were no significant changes among other races and ethnicities.
- In 2018, the suicide rate of Black children 5 to 12 was almost twice that of white children the same age.
- Black and Hispanic children were 14% less likely than white youth to receive treatment for depression.
- Over one-fourth of Black youth exposed to violence have proven to be at high risk for PTSD.
Adults
- Nearly one in four individuals identifying as being two or more races are most likely to report having a mental health disorder in the past year, followed by American Indian/Alaska Natives at 22.7%
- Black adults are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems than other ethnicities.
- Although depression rates are lower in Blacks and Hispanics than in whites, the depression is likely to be more debilitating and persistent.
- In 2018 Asian Americans were 60% less likely and Hispanics 50% less likely to have received mental health treatment than non-Hispanic whites.
And while recognizing the need for help is the first step, finding affordable care options can be difficult. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “service cost or lack of insurance coverage was the most frequently cited reason for not using mental health services across all racial/ethnic groups.”
A fact sheet published by Resources to Recovery showed the stark differences in treatment among ethnicities and the results of those disparities for children, teens, and adults.
Speaking Up
Sharing your problems with a stranger can be scary and is sometimes frowned upon in certain communities. There is often a stigma about “putting your business in the street,” despite the strict privacy rules between patients and medical professionals.
More than 80% of Black Americans are very concerned about the stigma associated with mental illness, which discourages them from seeking treatment. For some ethnicities, strict cultural traditions or misunderstandings may play a role in the lack of treatment of mental illness. Language differences between patients and providers are also a contributing factor. While these obstacles are frustrating, they should never stop you from caring for your health.
It takes all of us to help normalize mental health treatment. If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, thoughts of suicide, or any other form of mental distress, it is critical to seek professional help. Parents can create a safe space for children to share and ask questions about what they’re feeling. Regardless of race or ethnicity, discussing and addressing mental health will empower to us live healthier, happier lives.
You Don’t Have to Suffer
AltaMed is committed to your mental, as well as physical well-being. Our experienced staff of diverse mental health professionals can provide culturally relevant care in your language. They can help you with everything from stress relief to referrals for more serious health or substance abuse issues. Call 855-425-1777 to learn more about our Behavioral Health Services.
Get started with AltaMed
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Tips for Staying Mentally Healthy Through Trying Times
People have been struggling to cope with some form of fear, grief, or anxiety for more than 20 months. Stress has become the “new normal.”
This time last year we were preparing to spend our holidays apart from loved ones as isolation was the practice during the first year of the pandemic. Now we have vaccines that have provided us greater freedom to gather. Still misinformation and political wrangling have kept us from putting COVID-19 in our rearview mirrors. It’s just something else to add to our stress and anxiety.
It’s important that we acknowledge our stress and deal with it in a healthy manor. Just like it’s important to get vaccinated and take precautions to put an end to the pandemic, it’s important to address any mental health concerns and change behaviors that may have sent you down a path toward depression.
Defining Mental Illness
The term mental illness is used to describe a broad range of conditions that vary from mild to moderate to severe. It is extremely common affecting one in five U.S. adults, in 2019. That is the most recent figure available. That figure is probably much higher now since the start of the pandemic.
Mental illness falls into two categories: any mental illness (AMI) and severe mental illness (SMI). AMI can literally be any mental condition that affects your mood, thinking, or behavior. They include depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and addictive behaviors. SMIs are similar but they drastically affect a person’s ability to function normally.
Making Things Worse
The pandemic has only made mental health a bigger issue in the last 20 months. As creatures of habit, we were thrown for a loop as we lost the routine, dependability, and stability of our daily lives once the pandemic started.
The forced isolation, the onslaught of bad news, and the loss of jobs, income, and lives were almost like something out of a dystopian film. Stress became our new normal. Left untreated,
stress can cause:
- Changes in appetite, energy, desires, and interests
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
- Difficulty sleeping
- Feelings of anger, fear, frustration, sadness, and worry
- Physical reactions like headaches, body aches, stomach problems, and rashes
- Worsening chronic health problems
- Increased use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances
Acknowledge You Need Help
Far too many of us have been trained to ignore these feelings. We’re taught to fight through, keep your chin up, or just to get over it.
It doesn’t work that way. It’s important to acknowledge that you may need help to get over a mental health hurdle. That’s OK. Too many people don’t get treatment however because of the stigma around mental illness and treating it.
It can lead to discrimination at work, in school, or in social activities. Family, friends, and co-workers don’t fully understand what’s going on. You might start to think that you won’t succeed, or you begin to define yourself by your feelings. You should never let that stigma keep you from seeking treatment, however.
Getting Past the Stigma
Stigma can be overcome. Just like you wouldn’t deal with a mental illness alone, you have resources to help you get past the stigma. They include:
- Getting treatment. It’s only through treatment that you can identify what’s wrong and then find solutions for reducing the symptoms that are interfering with your life.
- Not giving into shame. You are not weak. People often need help when dealing with mental health concerns. Connecting with others can help boost your self-esteem and get past destructive self-judgment.
- Not isolating yourself. It’s important to reach out to people you trust. They might be hard to find at first, but there are caring and compassionate people who have been through similar struggles. They can offer you support if you confide in them.
- Not identifying with your illness. You have an illness. You are NOT your illness. You may have bipolar disorder, or you may have schizophrenia. You are not bipolar, and you are not a schizophrenic.
- Joining a support group. You can talk with a physician or counselor to find local programs or internet groups that can educate people about your condition. This offers support for you and helps to educate others.
- Getting help at school. If your child is dealing with mental health issues it is illegal for the school NOT to accommodate them. Educators at every level, from elementary through college must make adjustments for children to the best of their abilities. Not doing so can lead to civil or criminal penalties.
- Speaking out. Giving your voice to fighting the stigma against mental illness will boost your confidence and the confidence of others.
Help for the Mind and Body
It’s natural to feel worried, sadness, and loneliness from time to time. But if these feelings start to interfere with your ability to get through your daily life or start making you feel bad physically, it may be time to ask for help. To learn more about AltaMed’s Behavioral Health Services, call us at (855) 425-1777.
If you have suicidal thoughts and feel like you could be a harm to yourself or others, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at (800) 273-8255.
People have been struggling to cope with some form of fear, grief, or anxiety for more than 20 months. Stress has become the “new normal.”
This time last year we were preparing to spend our holidays apart from loved ones as isolation was the practice during the first year of the pandemic. Now we have vaccines that have provided us greater freedom to gather. Still misinformation and political wrangling have kept us from putting COVID-19 in our rearview mirrors. It’s just something else to add to our stress and anxiety.
It’s important that we acknowledge our stress and deal with it in a healthy manor. Just like it’s important to get vaccinated and take precautions to put an end to the pandemic, it’s important to address any mental health concerns and change behaviors that may have sent you down a path toward depression.
Defining Mental Illness
The term mental illness is used to describe a broad range of conditions that vary from mild to moderate to severe. It is extremely common affecting one in five U.S. adults, in 2019. That is the most recent figure available. That figure is probably much higher now since the start of the pandemic.
Mental illness falls into two categories: any mental illness (AMI) and severe mental illness (SMI). AMI can literally be any mental condition that affects your mood, thinking, or behavior. They include depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and addictive behaviors. SMIs are similar but they drastically affect a person’s ability to function normally.
Making Things Worse
The pandemic has only made mental health a bigger issue in the last 20 months. As creatures of habit, we were thrown for a loop as we lost the routine, dependability, and stability of our daily lives once the pandemic started.
The forced isolation, the onslaught of bad news, and the loss of jobs, income, and lives were almost like something out of a dystopian film. Stress became our new normal. Left untreated,
stress can cause:
- Changes in appetite, energy, desires, and interests
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
- Difficulty sleeping
- Feelings of anger, fear, frustration, sadness, and worry
- Physical reactions like headaches, body aches, stomach problems, and rashes
- Worsening chronic health problems
- Increased use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances
Acknowledge You Need Help
Far too many of us have been trained to ignore these feelings. We’re taught to fight through, keep your chin up, or just to get over it.
It doesn’t work that way. It’s important to acknowledge that you may need help to get over a mental health hurdle. That’s OK. Too many people don’t get treatment however because of the stigma around mental illness and treating it.
It can lead to discrimination at work, in school, or in social activities. Family, friends, and co-workers don’t fully understand what’s going on. You might start to think that you won’t succeed, or you begin to define yourself by your feelings. You should never let that stigma keep you from seeking treatment, however.
Getting Past the Stigma
Stigma can be overcome. Just like you wouldn’t deal with a mental illness alone, you have resources to help you get past the stigma. They include:
- Getting treatment. It’s only through treatment that you can identify what’s wrong and then find solutions for reducing the symptoms that are interfering with your life.
- Not giving into shame. You are not weak. People often need help when dealing with mental health concerns. Connecting with others can help boost your self-esteem and get past destructive self-judgment.
- Not isolating yourself. It’s important to reach out to people you trust. They might be hard to find at first, but there are caring and compassionate people who have been through similar struggles. They can offer you support if you confide in them.
- Not identifying with your illness. You have an illness. You are NOT your illness. You may have bipolar disorder, or you may have schizophrenia. You are not bipolar, and you are not a schizophrenic.
- Joining a support group. You can talk with a physician or counselor to find local programs or internet groups that can educate people about your condition. This offers support for you and helps to educate others.
- Getting help at school. If your child is dealing with mental health issues it is illegal for the school NOT to accommodate them. Educators at every level, from elementary through college must make adjustments for children to the best of their abilities. Not doing so can lead to civil or criminal penalties.
- Speaking out. Giving your voice to fighting the stigma against mental illness will boost your confidence and the confidence of others.
Help for the Mind and Body
It’s natural to feel worried, sadness, and loneliness from time to time. But if these feelings start to interfere with your ability to get through your daily life or start making you feel bad physically, it may be time to ask for help. To learn more about AltaMed’s Behavioral Health Services, call us at (855) 425-1777.
If you have suicidal thoughts and feel like you could be a harm to yourself or others, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at (800) 273-8255.
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5 Reasons Why You Should Vote!
The 2022 midterm elections are fast approaching. These elections hold tremendous importance, and the results will impact every American. That’s why it’s essential to vote.
This year’s election, held nationally on Tuesday, November 8, goes beyond who will represent us in Congress. Voters will also elect representatives at the state, county, and city levels. Additionally, your vote will determine how California and its cities will move forward on important propositions, including reproductive rights, women's health, and other health care-related issues.
Here are five reasons why you should register to vote, vote early, and vote often:
1. Elections have consequences. Every vote matters.
You have the power to make key decisions on the quality of life you want for yourself, your family, and your community. Voting is your chance to stand up for the issues you care about like affordable housing, economic justice, environmental protection, and quality education.
While Presidential or other national elections draw significant attention, midterm and local elections typically see less voter turnout. A Portland State University study found that fewer than 15% of eligible voters were turning out to vote for Mayors, Council Members, and other local offices.
Low turnout means that important local issues are determined by a limited group of voters, making a single vote even more statistically meaningful. While certain propositions may be popular, and therefore seem like a sure thing, they can fail if people stay home.
2. It’s your right. Not voting is giving up your voice.
Today, most American citizens over the age of 18 are entitled to vote in federal and state elections, but voting was not always a right for all Americans.
Because the Constitution did not specifically say who could vote, this question was largely left to the states in the 1800s. While no longer explicitly excluded, voter suppression is a problem in many parts of the country.
It was not until the 15th Amendment was passed in 1869 that black men were allowed to vote. But even so, many would-be voters faced measures meant to discourage them from exercising that right. This would continue until the 24th Amendment in 1964, which eliminated the poll tax, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which ended Jim Crow laws. Women were denied the right to vote until 1920, when the long efforts of the women’s suffrage movement finally resulted in the 19th Amendment.
Later, in 1971, the American voting age was lowered to 18, building on the idea that if a person was old enough to serve their country in the military, they should be allowed to vote.
It took many years of marching, protesting, and fighting for all of us to have the right to vote. Use your right. Exert your power.
3. It's your money.
One way or the other, every person in our community pays taxes – both citizens and non-citizens. And yet, most people don’t know how that money is being used. Voting is your chance to choose how your tax dollars are spent, such as additional funding for health care and social services. This happens both through your vote on specific propositions and ballot measures, as well as those we elect to leadership positions that commit to supporting key social services in our communities.
4. Voting is an opportunity for change.
Do you want to make a positive impact in your community? Voting gives you that chance! There are many social issues affected by elections, including (but not limited to) gay marriage, reproductive rights, environmental issues, public education, etc. Social issues affect everyone in one way or another. To have a say in who gets to determine social agendas, it’s essential to vote.
5. The community depends on you!
Our communities are made up of family, friends, loved ones, neighbors, and children. Some may not know how important voting is, while others cannot vote. Make the decision to vote to be a voice for yourself and those around you.
Make sure your voice is heard – your vote is your health. Vote!
Being the change you want to see.
Help make a difference in your community during this general election and join our us in the My Vote. My Health.™ initiative. By visiting our website, you can check your registration status, voting locations, and download other resources to help get out the vote in your community.
In the June 2022 primary election, we reached over 209,000 new and low propensity Latino voters in our Orange County and Los Angeles County AltaMed service areas. We also hosted a total of 17 voting locations at various clinic sites.
If you do not quality to vote, you can still participate.
If you are not yet 18 (if you are at least 16 years of age you can pre-register to vote in the state of California), or are not a United States citizen, you can still participate in the following ways:
- Get informed. Read up on issues (both local and national) and figure out where you stand. Our partners at the League of Women Voters and California Plus Health Advocates both offer helpful information about what to expect on this year’s ballot.
- Get out and talk to people. Even if you cannot vote, you can still voice opinions in public forums. When people engage each other about the issues, we stand to become better-informed citizens.
- Volunteer. You can work with outreach campaigns by volunteering to get out the vote in your community through phone banks, door-to-door outreach, and texting. To volunteer at AltaMed, click here.
The 2022 midterm elections are fast approaching. These elections hold tremendous importance, and the results will impact every American. That’s why it’s essential to vote.
This year’s election, held nationally on Tuesday, November 8, goes beyond who will represent us in Congress. Voters will also elect representatives at the state, county, and city levels. Additionally, your vote will determine how California and its cities will move forward on important propositions, including reproductive rights, women's health, and other health care-related issues.
Here are five reasons why you should register to vote, vote early, and vote often:
1. Elections have consequences. Every vote matters.
You have the power to make key decisions on the quality of life you want for yourself, your family, and your community. Voting is your chance to stand up for the issues you care about like affordable housing, economic justice, environmental protection, and quality education.
While Presidential or other national elections draw significant attention, midterm and local elections typically see less voter turnout. A Portland State University study found that fewer than 15% of eligible voters were turning out to vote for Mayors, Council Members, and other local offices.
Low turnout means that important local issues are determined by a limited group of voters, making a single vote even more statistically meaningful. While certain propositions may be popular, and therefore seem like a sure thing, they can fail if people stay home.
2. It’s your right. Not voting is giving up your voice.
Today, most American citizens over the age of 18 are entitled to vote in federal and state elections, but voting was not always a right for all Americans.
Because the Constitution did not specifically say who could vote, this question was largely left to the states in the 1800s. While no longer explicitly excluded, voter suppression is a problem in many parts of the country.
It was not until the 15th Amendment was passed in 1869 that black men were allowed to vote. But even so, many would-be voters faced measures meant to discourage them from exercising that right. This would continue until the 24th Amendment in 1964, which eliminated the poll tax, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which ended Jim Crow laws. Women were denied the right to vote until 1920, when the long efforts of the women’s suffrage movement finally resulted in the 19th Amendment.
Later, in 1971, the American voting age was lowered to 18, building on the idea that if a person was old enough to serve their country in the military, they should be allowed to vote.
It took many years of marching, protesting, and fighting for all of us to have the right to vote. Use your right. Exert your power.
3. It's your money.
One way or the other, every person in our community pays taxes – both citizens and non-citizens. And yet, most people don’t know how that money is being used. Voting is your chance to choose how your tax dollars are spent, such as additional funding for health care and social services. This happens both through your vote on specific propositions and ballot measures, as well as those we elect to leadership positions that commit to supporting key social services in our communities.
4. Voting is an opportunity for change.
Do you want to make a positive impact in your community? Voting gives you that chance! There are many social issues affected by elections, including (but not limited to) gay marriage, reproductive rights, environmental issues, public education, etc. Social issues affect everyone in one way or another. To have a say in who gets to determine social agendas, it’s essential to vote.
5. The community depends on you!
Our communities are made up of family, friends, loved ones, neighbors, and children. Some may not know how important voting is, while others cannot vote. Make the decision to vote to be a voice for yourself and those around you.
Make sure your voice is heard – your vote is your health. Vote!
Being the change you want to see.
Help make a difference in your community during this general election and join our us in the My Vote. My Health.™ initiative. By visiting our website, you can check your registration status, voting locations, and download other resources to help get out the vote in your community.
In the June 2022 primary election, we reached over 209,000 new and low propensity Latino voters in our Orange County and Los Angeles County AltaMed service areas. We also hosted a total of 17 voting locations at various clinic sites.
If you do not quality to vote, you can still participate.
If you are not yet 18 (if you are at least 16 years of age you can pre-register to vote in the state of California), or are not a United States citizen, you can still participate in the following ways:
- Get informed. Read up on issues (both local and national) and figure out where you stand. Our partners at the League of Women Voters and California Plus Health Advocates both offer helpful information about what to expect on this year’s ballot.
- Get out and talk to people. Even if you cannot vote, you can still voice opinions in public forums. When people engage each other about the issues, we stand to become better-informed citizens.
- Volunteer. You can work with outreach campaigns by volunteering to get out the vote in your community through phone banks, door-to-door outreach, and texting. To volunteer at AltaMed, click here.